Women In Animation Offers Tips on the Biz

Women In Animation Int’l offers Southern California residents an in-depth look at the inner workings of the animation industry and how to get in with a pair of special programs scheduled for later this month. First up is BAFTA/LA’s panel discussion “The Business of Animation: Television and Film” on Friday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Santa Monica College Academy of Television and Technology. It will be followed by “Pitch Perfect,” a one-day seminar on how to perfect your presentation, on Saturday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Klasky Csupo studios in Hollywood.

Moderated by WIA President Jan Nagel, “The Business of Animation’ Television and Film” will feature insights from top industry professionals. Panelists will include Cartoon Network exec VP of legal affairs Ed Adams, Action Fliks (XaoLin Showdown) president/founder Christy Hui, Gotham Group exec. Julie Kane Ritsch, MeniThings founder Meni Tsibas, Simpsons voice cast member Harry Shearer and Warner Bros. exec producer Marge Dean. The event is free and will be held at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology at Santa Monica College, 1660 Stewart St, Santa Monica, Calif. The reception will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the panel discussion and Q&A session at 7:30 p.m.

The "Pitch Perfect" workshop is tailored for creative people who want to learn how to package, present and protect their concepts. The morning session (10 a.m.-noon) will include a panel of artists and executives–those who pitch and those who listen to pitches. They will discuss how to find the selling points in your material, how to reduce your story to its essence and how to deliver what the networks are looking for. In the afternoon (2 p.m.-4 p.m.), artists will pitch their concepts to a group of experienced executives and artists. The group will evaluate the material and suggest ways to make it more marketable. In case there are too many submissions, slots will be decided by lottery. Among those evaluating pitches are Heather Kenyon of Cartoon Network, Steve Aranguren of Disney TV, Claudia Spinelli of Nickelodeon, Stephanie Graziano of Graz Ent. and Eric Homan of Frederator Studios.

Each session (specify which one you plan to attend) will cost $25. The charge for both sessions is $45.